Scott, who vetoed a similar alimony bill in 2013, has a week to decide whether to sign or veto the measure (SB 668) that creates a formula for awarding alimony, based on the length of the marriage and income levels of the spouses. It also establishes a legal “premise” that child-sharing between divorced parents should be on an equal basis, subject to review and adjustment by a judge.

Supporters of an alimony bill on the steps of the Old Capitol.

“The people have spoken. The Florida House and Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of this bill,” said Tarie MacMillan, a Tampa-area woman who said she pays 65 percent of her income to support her ex-husband.

“We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equity,” said MacMillan, who is part of the Family Law Reform group, which brought about 40 supporters to the Capitol today to urge Scott to sign the bill.

“This bill does not outlaw alimony. There are cases where it is warranted. But there are too many families suffering because of the outdated laws in Florida,” MacMillan said.

Opponents, including Florida NOW, held a press conference to urge Scott to veto the bill, arguing it would have a “detrimental” financial impact on many women and children.

Ann Dwyer and others urge Scott to veto the alimony bill.

Ann Dwyer, a 71-year-old Longwood woman, said even with alimony from her long-term marriage and a modest Social Security check, she still has to work three part-time jobs to have enough income.

She said she is worried about a provision in the bill that could let her ex-husband stop paying alimony once he retires. If that happens, Dwyer said she would have to find more part-time work. “I will work until I drop,” she said, adding she will likely also need public assistance for housing and food.

The opponents urged Scott, who was in Orlando on Tuesday morning attending a jobs announcement, to veto the bill, while calling for an economic impact study on potential changes in the alimony law.

“We need this bill to be vetoed and we need an impact study,” Dwyer said. “And we need compassion.”

The most controversial provision in the bill is the “50-50” child-sharing premise, which has the strong support of Senate Appropriations Chairman Tom Lee, R-Brandon.

Alan Frisher, a Melbourne financial planner who leads the Family Law Reform group, said Lee was scheduled today to talk to Scott’s chief of staff and legal counsel today to make his case for the bill.

Lee, whose wife is a circuit judge who handles divorce cases, has argued that the child-sharing provision gives parents equal legal footing when they begin the divorce proceedings. He and other supporters say the child-sharing plan can then be adjusted by the judge, weighing a host of factors. The bill does require the judge to outline the reasoning for the child-sharing plan in writing.

Opponents, including the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar, want Scott to veto the bill, arguing the 50-50 provision could be used to lower child-support payments. The lawyers’ group also said the 50-50 premise will be difficult to challenge for low-income parents who cannot afford a lawyer.

Jon Costello, who was Scott’s chief lobbyist during the governor’s first two legislative sessions, said if Scott is “true to form” he will likely take his full 15 days to evaluate the legislation, which Scott must act on before midnight next Tuesday.

Costello has been hired by the Family Law Section to urge Scott to veto the bill.UPDATE:
A statement from John Tupps, the governor’s deputy communications director:

Opponents and supporters of alimony gather outside Scott's office.

“Today, members of the governor’s leadership team met with leadership from both sides of the alimony debate. Also, several members of our Citizen Services team met with dozens of concerned citizens both in opposition to and support of the bill. We appreciate their opinions and we think it is important for Floridians to be able to have their voices heard. The governor will continue to listen to Floridians that submit thoughts and views on this legislation.”

As of this morning, the Governor’s Office has received 10,054 calls in support of the alimony bill land 2,968 in opposition.

Lloyd Dunkelberger

Lloyd Dunkelberger is the Htpolitics.com Capital Bureau Chief.
He can be reached by email or call 850 556-3542.
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Last modified: April 12, 2016
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